I had requested a review copy of this book, but when it arrived (thanks Netgalley) had forgotten why I was interested in it. So I began it slightly reluctantly but quickly found I was completely hooked and I LOVED it.

It is narrated in the first person by a young man from the London suburbs, set in three parts - the present, the past when he was an aspiring novelist fresh from dropping out of university, and the present again for the third part. It is about his efforts to succeed as a published novelist, his relationship with his family, in particular his rather strange brother Gerald, his love affairs and marriage. Sad in places, but largely hilarious in the way Chambers describes incidents and characters in a perceptive but very funny way.

An absolute treat and I'd recommend it.

Clare Chambers has the talent of turning the everyday and ordinary into something more profound and meaningful. In a world where the smart phone and laptop is impacting on relationships, Clare Chambers' novels remind us of the importance and role of the interaction between people- spoken/physically (not necessarily virtual). This 2009 story being reissued following the success of Small Pleasures again captures the lives of the unspoken/the everyday ... 'the normal' and how beneath each facade their is a story to tell. Christopher aspires to be a writer and following an encounter with publisher Owen and his wife he finds his life is directed in an unexpected way. Chance meetings affect all of us and sudden events often more so. This is a story told in three parts about the different trajectories within Christopher's life- human frailty, hope and challenge are at the heart of this novel and the outcome is a satisfying read.

I want to start out by thanking NetGalley and Randomhouse UK for the ARC of this book - I was honoured!

I have always wanted to read Chambers’ work, especially after all of the publicity with Small Pleasures. This volume didn’t quite live up to my expectations, unfortunately, but I could definitely appreciate that it might be enjoyed by those preferring a lighter read or anyone who is into ‘women’s literature.’ Unfortunately I just didn’t take to the protagonist, nor did I find the plot line quite as original or as interesting as I had anticipated from the blurb and from the hype that surrounds the author…

Despite this, I’m still intrigued by Chambers’ writing, and I would definitely recommend the book to several of my friends - it just wasn’t for me!